Freshmen Bearcats go to orientation under semester system

CINCINNATI - The first incoming class in 48 years to enter University of Cincinnati under a semester calendar system start orientation Thursday.

UC's Bearcat Bound Orientation takes place from June 21 through Aug. 2.

The university shifted from semesters to academic quarters in 1964 at the request of the Ohio Board of Regents, because of the significant growth in the college-age population.

It is making the switch to semesters to join other Ohio public universities, like Miami University, in accordance with the University System of Ohio's strategic plan for higher education.

The switch will address the needs of the current student population and allow more in-dept teaching and classroom projects. It will also offer students the opportunity to study-abroad and students will graduate earlier in the year giving them an early jump on the job market.

Early figures indicate that this years freshman class will be slightly smaller than the last.

UC's first fall semester in almost five decades begins on Monday, Aug. 27.